Monday, May 14, 2012

Friendly Encounters:Josh Watko Meets Jessica Kresa (aka ODB)

This is a weekly series featuring my friends who have met celebrities.

Today, we highlight Josh Watko, a regular contributor to Friendly Encounters and master of JW's Wrestling Memorabilia. Josh is a knowledgeable wrestling fan who translates that knowledge into his interesting site. Josh has met a lot of wrestlers and he always has unique insight about the meeting.
For this installment, Josh discusses meeting a very underrated wrestler, but I will let Josh tell his story...

Through attending various house shows, Fanfests, and other events it seems that I had met just about anyone on TNA/Impact Wrestling's roster in the past couple of years. One name that constantly eluded me was the rough and tumble Knockout herself, ODB, aka Jessie Kresa.A veteran of the business (she actually tried out for the first season of "Tough Enough"), ODB brings a great character and toughness to the Knockouts table which is otherwise filled with glamorous, though capable, women's stars.Much to my delight, ODB was added to the recent Lockdown Fanfest at the last minute. Although Nashville, TN is about ten hours from my home base, after attending the Bound For Glory Fanfest in October I learned that these events are well worth the trip.The event is divided into four autograph/photo sessions, the first three filled with various members of the main roster and the last with the "Main Event" stars such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Sting. With the first three fans can choose in which order they would like to meet the stars by going from line to line. As ODB was in the first session, I decided that I would be the first in line.Miss Kresa was just as outgoing as she appears on television and practically born for events such as these. Although it is said that you are limited to having two items signed per talent, I noticed that ODB's line had emptied drastically near the end of the session. I not only was able to get a second photo with the star, but she was happy to sign a handful of trading cards that I had brought as well.Although all of the Knockouts are great to meet and know how to treat their fans, ODB stands out as boldly with fans as she does in the ring.